WMU's Haenicke Institute recognizes 47 faculty and instructors for transformative study abroad programs
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Study abroad at Western Michigan University brings Experience-Driven Learning to a global level. Forty-seven dedicated faculty, staff and graduate student leaders led study abroad programming last year.
WMU Study Abroad supported 30 faculty-led trips in the '24-'25 academic year, with travel to 22 countries spanning six continents. A total of 411 students participated in faculty-led programming.
This commitment to guiding students through immersive, experiential learning around the globe has expanded perspectives and enriched academic journeys, says Joe Milostan, director of study abroad and international enrichment at the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
“These faculty, staff and graduate students have dedicated their time to designing WMU courses with an international component, which helps WMU reach its internationalization goals, and the Haenicke Institute would like to recognize those efforts.”
College of Aviation
Stephen Hasenick and Matilda McLean – Aviation in France; 22 students
“An unforgettable experience at Airbus Headquarters! We got a warm welcome and an exclusive tour of their facility, learning about their aviation pipeline program and seeing incredible aircraft in production. We also visited Aeroscopia, where we saw the original Concorde, the Airbus A300B and many other historic planes that shaped aviation history!” says Aviation in France student, Reggie Dancy.
College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Zoann Snyder – Advanced Criminology in the Netherlands; 8 students
"I chose to study abroad in the Netherlands during spring break because I knew it would be a great opportunity to visit a side of the world of which I knew nothing about. I wanted to learn about their culture, interact with new people, expand my knowledge of the criminal justice system and learn how it compares to the system in the United States.” says Lizeth Gutierrez-Arvidez, Advanced Criminology in the Netherlands student.
Dr. Xiaojun Wang – China: Language and Culture Summer Camp; 9 students
Dr. Mark Orbe – Culture, Communication, and Community Development in Tanzania; 11 students
Dr. Mark Orbe – Intercultural Communication & Ethnography in the Dominican Republic; 12 students
Dr. Mercedes Tubino-Blanco – Ecuador: Spanish in Quito; 14 students
"I personally think that everyone should study abroad. Universities, like WMU, give you opportunities to travel abroad, experience another culture and have incredibly unique experiences that you might not have another chance to do” says Spanish in Quito student, Fiona Hagan. “College is all about expanding your horizons, so what better way to do that than to study abroad?”
Dr. Jennifer Praner and Dr. Fritz Allhoff – Environmental Philosophy in Iceland; 14 students
Deirdre Nieves, Dr. Lucius Hallett, Dr. Nancy Bjorklund and Dr. Charles Crawford – Essential Studies Abroad in Portugal; 15 students
Jared Richardson – French Language in Lyon; 8 students
“My favorite part about studying abroad has been getting to try new things and learn from others. My experience has been full of opportunity, and I am grateful for the growth I have experienced because of it,” says Julie Syler, French Language in Lyon student.
Dr. Pablo Pastrana and Alexander Agbabian – Spanish Language in Santander, Spain; 12 students
Dr. Eli Rubin – The Third Reich, WWII, the Holocaust, and the Cold War in Berlin; 8 students
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Ramona Lewis, Ronicka Hamilton and Peter Thompson – Dominican Republic: Seita Scholars Study Abroad; 11 students
Dr. Yuanlong Liu and Dr. Sangwoo Lee – South Korea & Taiwan: Education and Health; 9 students
Mary Srodulski and Dr. Susan Piazza – Teaching Internship in New Zealand; 9 students
Dr. Mariola Perez de la Cruz – Universidad de Burgos in Spain; 11 students
College of Fine Arts
Jeffrey Abshear – Book Arts in Italy; 11 students
Melis Agabigum – Metals & Jewelry in Greece; 11 students
College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Jennifer Harrison and Jennifer Purrenhage – Community Health & Permaculture in Guatemala; 5 students
Dr. Holly Grieves – Global Healthcare Perspectives & Service Learning in Ecuador; 9 students
Dawn Smith – Healthcare in Costa Rica (Pura Vida); 8 students
“I would give up all materialistic things in lieu of doing it again! It was far better to experience life in another country than to have a new pair of shoes, or a fancy meal multiple times a week. I changed as a person by learning from them!” says Samantha Becker, Healthcare in Costa Rica student.
Dr. Maureen Mickus and Dr. Morgan Otero – Innovative Models of Care & Support in Ireland; 8 students
Haworth College of Business
Dr. Jim Eckert and Dr. Marcel Zondag – Business & Culture in Germany; 24 students
“This was a great short-term, faculty-led, affordable option to study internationally. It offered an extensive itinerary, endless opportunity for student connection and networking.” says Gregory Reed, Business & Culture in Germany student. “My favorite part was meeting international students, learning about different cultures and representing WMU internationally."
Teresa Greenlees – Business & Culture in Portugal; 12 students
Dr. Duke Leingpibul – Business & Culture in Thailand; 24 students
“Thai culture is truly beautiful, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to experience it firsthand. A huge thank-you to Professor Duke for leading us on this unforgettable journey!” says Business & Culture in Thailand student Lauren Adsmond. “It was truly the experience of a lifetime, and I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to study abroad if they get the chance.”
Dr. Bret Wagner and Jeffary Hoose – Business & History in the Netherlands, Germany & Poland; 20 students
“It was such a great time to learn about business and history abroad. The group I travelled with was an incredible group of Broncos. I never thought I’d study abroad at WMU, and I just got back from our 2 and a half weeklong trip,” says Phoenix Ciechanowski, Business & History in the Netherlands, Germany & Poland student. “My favorite part about studying abroad was the group of people I went with, including the professors.”
Dr. Bidyut Hazarika – Business, Culture & Sustainability in Spain; 17 students
"I always knew I wanted to study abroad at least once in college, and when the chance to go to Spain for Business, Culture & Sustainability popped up, it was literally perfect. Spring break in Spain and getting credits for my exercise science major? It was meant to be.” says Business, Culture & Sustainability in Spain student, Nayeli Quintino. “The absolute best part of studying abroad was getting to soak in all the stunning scenery, Spain is seriously gorgeous, and I'm beyond grateful I got to experience it!”
Dr. Wenling Lu – Business, Finance & Culture in Taiwan; 11 students
Dr. Russell Zwanka – Food Marketing in Ireland; 23 students
Cari Burkeman and Dr. Jim Penner – Global Sustainability Accounting & Reporting in Ireland; 27 students
Interdisciplinary Programs
Dr. Louann Bierlein-Palmer, Dr. Jessica Gladden and Dr. Tim Palmer – Business Sustainability, Social Justice and Education in India; 28 students
“Beyond academics, studying abroad fosters personal growth, adaptability and a deeper understanding of different cultures, which are qualities that benefit any career,” says Business Sustainability, Social Justice and Education in India student, Katherine Marshall. “The most remarkable part was being immersed in the culture.”
“My biggest business takeaway was seeing how passion and empathy drive success," says Hollywood Watkins, Business Sustainability, Social Justice and Education in India student. “It challenged the traditional profit-driven mindset and showed me a whole new way of thinking about business. Now I view business as a force for meaningful impact on others' lives.”
Get Involved
WMU faculty who are interested in leading a study abroad program can contact Alison Sprague, associate director of study abroad, at @email to learn more about the program development process.
About The Haenicke Institute for Global Education
The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western Michigan University community. Its offices assist nearly 2,500 international students and alumni at home and abroad with immigration, student success and post-graduation job training.
The Institute also facilitates short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff. It hosts a variety of global learning activities, such as designing and promoting scholarship and academic opportunities on campus; providing K-12 outreach; hosting lectures, panels and events; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world. More at www.wmich.edu/global.
